An avid physical book reader, I have found myself lured and tempted into making the investment into an eReader. Not for the convenience, the joy of technology, or the desire to have 100 books at my fingertips at all times, but for the creative pursuit of decorating one.
Anyone who has seen my journals, planners, and notebooks would agree that I am an aesthetic person. I like to take ordinary, functional products and making them pretty. Somewhat inspired by Lorelai Gilmore when she added marabou feathers and glitter to a hammer, and also somewhat inspired by a childhood obsession with Lisa Frank notebooks, I like to add a little flourish to things that on their own are a little boring.
My laptop is covered in Red Bubble stickers, my whiteboard is adorned with washi tape, and my office printer has a tiny little neon heart affixed to it’s side. And while I do this to claim ownership, it’s also a way to create a little bit of joy in spaces that can sometimes be seen as joyless.
I realized this especially when I was getting my degree. It’s hard to find the joy when you are tasked with reading 100+ books – many old and many about the dawn of the written word. And then when the pressure amped up and I had to stand before a panel of grown ups loaded with questions designed to test my literary knowledge on an academic level, I needed something that would remove the pressure. I was told that I could enter the room with notecards. So while I was writing dates, facts, and talking points on a series of 3x5 notecards, I was starting to feel overwhelmed and saddened. I was doubting myself and my abilities. I needed to stop the spiral. So I adorned all the notecards with some unicorn washi tape. I told myself, How serious could I really take this experience when there are unicorns in the room? It worked. After the first question, I flubbed over my words. The panel of academics were waiting on me to say something smart. I took a deep breath, looked down at the unicorns, and smiled. I regained my footing and the rest is history.
When I saw how many young women were filming videos of how they decorate their Kindles, Kobos, and other eReaders, it was like they were reclaiming book covers. They were creating their own personalized book cover that celebrated themselves, their fandoms, and their own personalities. Anytime they walk into a classroom early, sit on a bus or plane, or post up at a local coffee shop, they are declaring themselves as a reader without someone judging the type, style, or genre of book they are reading.
I was also intrigued with how they found a way to decorate their eReader without committing to one look. By using a selection of stickers, ribbons, and other ephemera and temporarily affixing it with a little tape, and then attaching a clear protective case, they are able to change the look of their reader whenever they want. They can change their look every season if they wished.
And for a minute, I thought, “Okay. I want in.”
So what’s my resistance?
I love physical books. It’s a matter of enjoying holding a physical book in my hand. I even wait when a book comes out that I am excited about for it to be released in paperback because I do not enjoy reading hardback books.
I used to own an eReader. When the technology first because available, I purchased a Nook. (Why a Nook? I couldn’t even say at this point) And it was fun for a little while. I got as many free books as I could. I purchased books digitally. I carried it around in my bag everywhere I went. And when the new wore off of it, it went in the drawer and I never went back for it.
I already own an iPad. I have all the apps to read digital books. And I have occasionally read a digital book. I have opted for the eBook because I either got it free with another subscription service or I needed it for a specific reason and didn’t want to spend a lot of money on it.
It’s hard to imaging ownership of books when it’s digital. It would be like “owning” another person’s website. I would always just feel like I have access to it instead of owning it.
You don’t have to charge a book. One of the reasons why I like taking a physical book with my on a plane, is I don’t have to worry about connecting, charging, or other tech issues that happen on planes. Even if my headphones crap out on me, I still have my book to sink into with the white noise of the plane.
So what’s the appeal?
Possibly read more. I love to read. I don’t always make time for it. And I am already a two bag kind of lady when I leave the house in the mornings, so remembering to also pack a book is not something I consider doing. People who use eReaders claim by keeping it with them, they always have something fun to read because even if they don’t like what they are reading at the time, they hundreds of other books to choose from.
eReaders are a way to discover new, not featured at the bookstore authors. Indie authors like me are more accessible in digital spaces through Amazon Unlimited, but also through the fact that indie authors will often not print physical books, but only publish digital books.
It compartmentalizes reading time. Reading my my phone means I’m going to pause and check my notifications. Reading on my tablet is the same issue.
Lightweight. eReaders are typically lighter than most books. And if I add a Popsocket, I will be able to hold it in place.
So I don’t know. I’m hopeful to take a little trip to a store where I can hold one in my hand and see how I feel about it in person. But I know, that if I decide to go for it, I have a wishlist of stickers on Red Bubble waiting for me to decide.
Read Books. Wear Boots.
XOXO,
B.
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